Top Video Game Subscriptions Across All Platforms

It feels like just yesterday that Xbox Game Pass launched and everyone thought it was too good to be true. An all-you-can-eat buffet of games, right at your fingertips? Impossible. Now, just a few years later, it seems like every company is jumping on the game subscription bandwagon. New services are popping up left and right, each boasting massive libraries with hundreds of games to sink your teeth into.

With so many options available, how do you decide which one is truly worth your time and money? We’ve rounded up the most popular video game subscription services and narrowed them down to six of the best choices for gamers in 2025.

1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Best Overall

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, mobile phones and tablets, select TVs, Meta Quest headsets

Pricing:

• Game Pass Ultimate - $19.99/month
• PC Game Pass - $11.99/month
• Game Pass Core - $9.99/month
• Game Pass Standard - $14.99/month

Trial Period: First month for $1 (PC Game Pass only)

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate remains the gold standard in gaming subscriptions. Launched in 2017, this service revolutionized the way players access games and is often referred to as the “Netflix of gaming.” With access to hundreds of titles—including day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios (now including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard)—you can jump into major franchises like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and upcoming titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Fable. You also gain access to EA Play, unlocking a treasure trove of classic EA and BioWare titles.

What makes Xbox Game Pass Ultimate stand out is its built-in cloud streaming capability. This allows you to play supported titles on nearly any device with a Wi-Fi connection—no downloads or patches required. Whether you're using a Fire TV Stick or hopping back onto your console, your progress seamlessly continues across platforms.

2. Nintendo Switch Online

Best for Nintendo Games

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2

Pricing:

• Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - $3.99/month, $7.99/3 months, or $19.99/year | Family - $34.99/year
• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - $49.99/year | Family - $79.99/year

Trial Period: 7 days free

Nintendo Switch Online offers more than just online multiplayer functionality—it gives you access to a growing collection of classic Nintendo titles spanning over 40 years of gaming history. The base tier includes NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack adds N64, GBA, and Sega Genesis classics. Nintendo Switch 2 owners also benefit from early GameCube support with the Expansion Pack.

The service also includes DLC packs for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, plus exclusive content such as the Zelda: Breath of the Wild Upgrade Pack. In late 2024, Nintendo added the Nintendo Music app—a new perk offering streams of iconic tracks from beloved franchises.

3. PlayStation Plus

Best for PlayStation Games

Platforms: PS5, PS4, PlayStation Portal, PC/Mac, mobile devices and tablets

Pricing:

• Essential: $9.99/month, $24.99/3 months, or $79.99/year
• Extra: $14.99/month, $39.99/3 months, or $134.99/year
• Premium: $17.99/month, $49.99/3 months, or $159.99/year

Trial Period: None

PlayStation Plus has evolved into a multi-tiered subscription service offering not only online multiplayer but also a vast library of downloadable games. Each month, subscribers receive a selection of free games regardless of their tier. PlayStation Plus Extra brings curated AAA titles like God of War, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, along with Ubisoft+ Classics. The Premium tier expands further with PS1-PS2-PSP era titles, full game trials, and even Sony Pictures movies.

One standout feature is PS5 Cloud Streaming, allowing instant access to many games in the catalog without installation. It's a powerful option for players who want flexibility and variety.

4. Apple Arcade

Best for Mobile Gaming

Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro

Pricing: $6.99/month

Trial Period: 30 days free

Apple Arcade changed the mobile gaming landscape when it launched in 2019 by offering an ad-free, microtransaction-free experience. Its library features over 200 high-quality games, including enhanced versions of classics like Angry Birds and Temple Run, alongside indie hits like Balatro, Vampire Survivors, Dead Cells, and Stardew Valley.

You can enjoy these titles across multiple Apple devices, including Macs and Apple TVs, with iCloud syncing your progress between them. A single subscription supports up to six family members, making it ideal for households.

5. Netflix

Best for Hybrid Gaming

Platforms: Everywhere (for streaming), mobile phones and tablets (for games)

Pricing:

• Standard (with ads): $7.99/month
• Standard: $17.99/month
• Premium: $24.99/month

Trial Period: None

While primarily known for its streaming content, Netflix now offers over 120 mobile games as part of your existing subscription. Many users don’t realize this benefit—but if you have a Netflix account, you already have access to titles like Hades, Dead Cells, GTA: San Andreas, Civilization VI, Sonic Mania Plus, and more—all at no extra cost.

Currently, games are limited to iOS and Android, though Netflix is testing game streaming on smart TVs and directly through netflix.com. It’s a great value-add for anyone already subscribed.

6. Humble Bundle

Best for Discounts

Platforms: PC (via Steam/Windows), Mac/Linux (via Steam – certain titles)

Pricing: $11.99/month, $129/year

Trial Period: None

Humble Choice offers a unique model where subscribers receive a curated list of around eight games per month. These games are yours to keep forever—even if you cancel. You also gain access to the Vault, a rotating selection of over 50 DRM-free indie games, and enjoy up to 20% off purchases in the Humble Store.

Additionally, 5% of your subscription cost goes toward charity, giving you peace of mind with every payment.

Gaming Subscriptions FAQ

Which game streaming services have free trials?

As of writing, **Nintendo Switch